<p>The impact of trade policies on the pursuit of gender equality is often ignored. Recognising the link between trade and gender, this dissertation aims to enhance the capacity of policy-makers to mainstream gender in trade policy and to help identify ways for using trade to respond to women&rsquo / s needs in South Africa. In order to meet this objective, it analyses the impacts that trade liberalisation has had on the economy and on gender in general and in South Africa in particular. In addition, it evaluates the impacts on men and women in order to see if trade has contributed to reducing, accentuating or perpetuating gender inequality in South Africa. Findings have confirmed that Trade liberalisation has had both positive and negative impacts on women and men. But, they have also demonstrated that trade liberalisation has affected women and men differently having negative influences on the pursuit of gender equality. The research has, however, concluded that the impact of trade liberalisation on the pursuit of gender equality is influenced by other key factors. As strategy to mainstream gender in trade policies, the research suggests that policy-makers should analyse the implications for women and men of any trade policy before adopting such policy. This analysis would help him/her to see the possible imbalances of the new policy and implement policies and programmes to eradicate them. Also, it will help him/her to identify possible ways for using trade to empower women. The research is based on the idea that the elimination of the existing inequalities will put women at the same stage with men and will, therefore, contribute to women&rsquo / s empowerment in South Africa.</p>

Purpose - The purpose of the bachelor thesis is to describe the relationship between Third-party logistics (3PL) suppliers and car assemblers under Just-in-sequence (JIS). The paper refers to a case in the Spanish automotive industry and the main target is to identify and analyse the potential problems between both parts and explain how they work together. Methodology – The paper is based on a case study research, with the aid of interviews with people of the industry and participant-observations, to explain how this part of the supply chain works, the relationships along the chain and the difficulties of sequencing. Results – The paper identifies and analyses the potential problems between both parts and relates how a mistake from one of them can affect the other one. Then, the results are discussed and associated with some concepts of the theoretical framework. Limitations - The results of this case study can only be related to the Spanish automotive industry, for car assemblers that work under a JIS context with several 3PL suppliers. The case study only identifies and analyses the problems, solutions and measures for managing them are not provided.

Purpose - The aim of the paper is to understand how management is affected by having the customer as a member of the global virtual team within agile work methods. Research Method - This research is based on a qualitative methodological choice, and an embedded single case study conducted through a cross-sectional time horizon. The research is based on primary and secondary data. The primary data has been collected from management, employees, and customer, through semi- and in depth interviews, and observations in Sri Lanka. Secondary data is conceptualized from literature in the Global Virtual Team research field. Results - A customer is seen as a colleague and a critical team member, where the developers and management work closely with the customer. However, the customer is not fully seen as a traditional colleague. The customer’s influence outweighs the influence of the supplier, resulting in a dynamic shift of influence towards the customer. Not allowing the dynamic shift, i.e. not increasing attention towards the customer significantly, could result in a loss of business. Furthermore, the background of the customer affects the manager’s role as a Bridge Maker. How efficient the collaboration turns out within the team is dependent on the customer background, and how well the management allocates time and efforts accordingly. Research limitations - Due to time and resource limits, and the depth scope of the study, only one case firm and one customer laid the basis of this paper. Further investigation of how management is affected by having the customer as a member of the global virtual team could be the direction of future studies. Practical implications - The findings allow management to allocate their time and resources more effectively cross projects and increase the understanding of how the firm is affected by having the customer as a member of the team in the global virtual team setting. As a result, it will potentially increase the overall success of the company. Originality/value - This study supplies the contribution to existing management literature as it includes an external stakeholder, the customer, in the global virtual team, which is a growing phenomenon that has not been captured by current literature. Keywords - Global teams, Virtual teams, Multicultural teams, Customer as a team member, Bridge Maker, Team leadership, Biculturalism, Agile work process Paper type – Master thesis

The state of STEM education in America's high schools is currently in flux, with billions annually being poured into the NSF to increase national STEM literacy. Hands-on project-based learning interventions in the STEM classroom are ubiquitous but tend to focus on robotics or competition based curriculums. These curricula do not address musical creativity or cultural relevancy to reach under-represented or disinterested groups. By utilizing an analog synthesizer for STEM learning standards this research aims to engage students that may otherwise lack confidence in the field. By incorporating the Maker Movement, a STEAM architecture, and culturally relevant musical examples, this study’s goal to build both self-efficacy and literacy in STEM within under-represented groups through hands-on exercises with a Moog analog synthesizer, specifically the Moog Werkstatt. A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test/post-test design was crafted to determine study validity, and has been implemented in three separate studies. Several age demographics were selected across a variety of classroom models and teaching style. The purpose of this wide net was to explore where a tool like the Werkstatt and its accompanying curriculum would have the biggest impact. Results show that this curriculum and technique are largely ineffective in an inverted Music elective classroom. However, in the STEM classroom, literacy and confidence were built across genders, with females showing greater increases in engineering confidence and music technology interest than their male counterparts.

<p>The impact of trade policies on the pursuit of gender equality is often ignored. Recognising the link between trade and gender, this dissertation aims to enhance the capacity of policy-makers to mainstream gender in trade policy and to help identify ways for using trade to respond to women&rsquo / s needs in South Africa. In order to meet this objective, it analyses the impacts that trade liberalisation has had on the economy and on gender in general and in South Africa in particular. In addition, it evaluates the impacts on men and women in order to see if trade has contributed to reducing, accentuating or perpetuating gender inequality in South Africa. Findings have confirmed that Trade liberalisation has had both positive and negative impacts on women and men. But, they have also demonstrated that trade liberalisation has affected women and men differently having negative influences on the pursuit of gender equality. The research has, however, concluded that the impact of trade liberalisation on the pursuit of gender equality is influenced by other key factors. As strategy to mainstream gender in trade policies, the research suggests that policy-makers should analyse the implications for women and men of any trade policy before adopting such policy. This analysis would help him/her to see the possible imbalances of the new policy and implement policies and programmes to eradicate them. Also, it will help him/her to identify possible ways for using trade to empower women. The research is based on the idea that the elimination of the existing inequalities will put women at the same stage with men and will, therefore, contribute to women&rsquo / s empowerment in South Africa.</p>

Prior to the Constitutional Court's decision in the Sidumo and another v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd and others (2007) lACC 22 the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration applied the "reasonable employer"–test to determine whether a specific sanction, issued by an employer, was fair. The "reasonable employer"–test provided a lot of flexibility to employers to dismiss employees for misconduct, as employers' decisions to dismiss were "protected" from scrutiny by the CCMA. The Constitutional Court replaced the "reasonable employer"–test, which required a measure of deference to the decision of the employer, with that of the "reasonable decision maker"–test, which required an answer to the question whether the decision reached by the commissioner was one that a reasonable decision maker could not reach? This meant that in the event that the decision reached by the commissioner was one that a reasonable decision maker could not reach, that the decision of the commissioner will be overturned on review. The change in test from a "reasonable employer" to that of a "reasonable decision maker" had significant implications for employers who are instituting disciplinary action against their employees and subsequently imposing the sanction of dismissal, as commissioners are no longer allowed to "defer" to the decision imposed by employers. The Sidumo test also have implications for employers who are seeking to take decisions of the CCMA on review, as londo JP held in Fidelity Cash Management Service v CCMA 2008 29 ILJ 964 (LAC) that it will not be often that an arbitration award is found to be one that a reasonable decision maker could not have made. / Thesis (LL.M. (Labour Law))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Prior to the Constitutional Court's decision in the Sidumo and another v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd and others (2007) lACC 22 the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration applied the "reasonable employer"–test to determine whether a specific sanction, issued by an employer, was fair. The "reasonable employer"–test provided a lot of flexibility to employers to dismiss employees for misconduct, as employers' decisions to dismiss were "protected" from scrutiny by the CCMA. The Constitutional Court replaced the "reasonable employer"–test, which required a measure of deference to the decision of the employer, with that of the "reasonable decision maker"–test, which required an answer to the question whether the decision reached by the commissioner was one that a reasonable decision maker could not reach? This meant that in the event that the decision reached by the commissioner was one that a reasonable decision maker could not reach, that the decision of the commissioner will be overturned on review. The change in test from a "reasonable employer" to that of a "reasonable decision maker" had significant implications for employers who are instituting disciplinary action against their employees and subsequently imposing the sanction of dismissal, as commissioners are no longer allowed to "defer" to the decision imposed by employers. The Sidumo test also have implications for employers who are seeking to take decisions of the CCMA on review, as londo JP held in Fidelity Cash Management Service v CCMA 2008 29 ILJ 964 (LAC) that it will not be often that an arbitration award is found to be one that a reasonable decision maker could not have made. / Thesis (LL.M. (Labour Law))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Denna kvalitativa studies syfte är att undersöka, kartlägga och analysera sociala interaktionsmönster kring beslutsprocessen på Migrationsverkets asylprövning utifrån asylbeslutsfattares perspektiv. Genom att luta sig mot teori om beslut inom ramen för administrativt beteende samt teori om ansvarfördelning analyseras empirisk data insamlat med hjälp av semistrukturerade intervjuer med beslutsfattare från olika asylprövningsenheter.Studiens resultat visar att det finns invecklade sociala interaktionsmönster i asylbeslutsfattandet samt att tre kommunikationstyper kunde identifieras; informella, formella och semiformella. Beslutsfattare växlar mellan dessa typer i beslutsprocessens olika steg. Med hjälp av utvecklade sociala kommunikationsmönster, omsätts en tidspressad beslutsplan i handling. Sammantaget påvisar studien den administrativa människans begränsade rationalitet. På grund av ringa sociologiska forskning inom området är studien ett bidrag till disciplinen. / This qualitative study aims to investigate, identify and analyze social interaction patterns regarding the decision-making process at the Migration board’s asylum processing unit from the perspective of the asylum officer. Empirical data, which is collected through semi-structured interviews with asylum officers from different Migration board entities, is analyzed by employing different theories on decision-making in the context of administrative behavior and diffusion of responsibility. The outcome of the study shows that there is an intricate social interaction pattern in the asylum decision process and three communication types have been identified: informal, formal and semi-formal. The asylum officer switches between these types in the various stages of the decision-making process. Through developed social communication patterns, a time-pressured decision-making plan is put in action. Generally, the study demonstrates the bounded rationality of the administrative person. Due to lack of sociological research in this area, this study is a contribution to the field.

Titel:  Flash-krascher – ett allvarligt problem på Stockholmsbörsen? Författare:  Madelene Söderström &amp; Sebastian Roth Handledare: Bo Sjö Ämne:  Nationalekonomi – Kandidatuppsats inom finans Syfte:  Syftet med arbetet är att fördjupa förståelsen kring flash-krascher och vilken påverkan dessa har på handeln av värdepapper som sker på Stockholmsbörsen. Vi hoppas också att studien ger en klarare bild av hur flash-krascher påverkar olika aktörer med koppling till aktiehandeln i Sverige. Metod:  Uppsatsen är baserad på en kvalitativ studie utförd med intervjurespondenter med varierande koppling till Stockholmsbörsen och den svenska finansmarknaden. Teori:  Uppsatsen utgår främst från tidigare forskning inom ämnet bestående av studier baserade på händelser och data från USA. Annan ekonomisk teori som presenteras i studien är adverse selection. Empiri:  Uppsatsen är bestående av sju semistrukturerade intervjuer med aktörer på finansmarknaden. Intervjuerna jämförs med tidigare inträffade händelser i USA för att diskutera möjliga slutsatser om flash-krascher på Stockholmsbörsen. Slutsats:  Studien kommer fram till att det är osannolikt att flash-krascher av den magnituden som inträffat i USA 6 maj 2010 inträffar på Stockholmsbörsen idag. Vidare så verkar flash-krascher inte ha särskilt stor påverkan på aktörer på Stockholmsbörsen, däremot kan det finnas en viss oros- och förtroendeproblematik kopplad till flash-krascher som bör tas på allvar. I studien av tidigare forskning finner vi intressanta teorier för hur flash-krascher kan förutses. Vi kan däremot inte dra några slutsatser kring dessa teorier kopplat till Stockholmsbörsen. / Title:  Flash crashes – a severe problem at Nasdaq OMX Stockholm? Authors:  Madelene Söderström &amp; Sebastian Roth Advisor:  Bo Sjö Subject:  Bachelor thesis in finance Purpose:  The purpose of this study is to understand and critically examine the impact flash crashes might have on the market for securities at Nasdaq OMX Stockholm. Our goal is to provide a clearer view on how flash crashes affect the trade and the market participants. Method:  This thesis is a qualitative study based on interviews with respondents with different approach to both Nasdaq OMX Stockholm and the financial market in Sweden. Theory:  The thesis is based on earlier studies within the subject made from data and events from United States of America. Other economic theories that the thesis involve is adverse selection. Empirics:  The study is predicated around seven semi structured interviews with participants on the financial market in Sweden. The interviews are compared with the earlier events from USA to make for conclusions about flash crashes on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm. Conclusion:  We find that it is unlikely that a flash crash of the same magnitude as the May 6, 2010 flash crash will occur on the Nasdaq OMX Stockholm exchange today. Furthermore, flash crashes appear to have little impact on the market participants at Nasdaq OMX Stockholm, though there may be concerns about trust issues following flash crashes that should be considered. While studying some of the earlier research we find interesting theories about ways to predict flash crashes before they have occurred, we can’t make any conclusions about these theories connected to Nasdaq OMX Stockholm though.

Since the beginning of 2007 Stockholm Resilience Centre has produced scientific transdisciplinary research in the subjects of sustainability and resilience. There is a high ambition to communicate the results of the research to key stakeholders. One of the target groups is policy makers, because the mission identifies this group as important when reaching for the main goal (vision) of the research institute. The media of choice is an e-newsletter with the latest resilience research produced within Stockholm Resilience Centre. It is at the same time an opportunity to bring forth the organisations objective connected with the vision. The newsletter is studied in the light of marketing communication with the purpose to clarify the needs of policy makers, examine the limits and possibilities of the media and the organisational aspects with the intention to give guidelines concerning the development of the newsletter. Through extensive litterature studies and qualitative interviews, conclusions are made about the research institutes´ activities, it´s identity and message. The result is interesting and useful for anyone who has tried to understand the complexity of organisational communication.